Lakers build momentum with 103-97 win over Denver Nuggets

Among the highlights of my breakdown on the Lakers' 103-97 victory Friday over the Denver Nuggets:

Lakers Coach Mike Brown left the game for what the team called "personal reasons." Assistant coach John Kuester filled in and kept the same rotations. Kobe Bryant appeared valuable on the sideline, talking with assistants and teammates at length on what he saw on the floor.

Bryant is walking pain free. But before he can play he has to run pain free and jump pain free. That's he may also sit out Sunday against the Mavericks.

The Lakers officially clinched the playoffs. Yay. The Lakers didn't have any champagne celebrations and hardly anyone asked them about it.

The Lakers have usually had letdown games following a signature win. They allowed Denver to chip away at double-digit leads, but it's significant they held on to a win after an impressive performance Wednesday against San Antonio.